How much does tree work cost?
The price is dependent on size, situation and type of tree work required. It is always worth getting three quotes so you can compare.
How to choose a good tree surgeon?
Recommendations from friends or family are useful. It is also good to check that they have…
- Tree surgeon qualifications (at minimum tree surgeons should have climbing and chainsaw qualifications).
- Employers and public liability insurance which they should be happy to show you.
- Waste carriers license issued by the Environment Agency that enables tree surgery companies to take tree waste away legally.
Is it a report I need, or a free quotation?
We offer free non-obligation, fixed price quotations for tree work and always take the time to view the trees in the first instance. We are happy to advise on site as to the most appropriate method of tree management.
Should you have a great many trees and be unclear about the works required or be acting for a third party, then you may require a Tree Survey with Recommendations. We will be happy to provide you with a fixed cost for this work. If you require a formal, recorded professional opinion, that may, for instance be required by a Mortgage lender, Insurance company, Planning Consultant/Authority or any other professional body, then it will be a report that is required. Depending on the nature of the report, it may be possible to provide an initial quotation over the phone. We are always happy to discuss any issues you are unsure about – just give us a call.
How do I know what my tree needs?
Depending on the type, size and situation of the tree you may need different services from crown reduction to pollarding.
What is the best time of year for tree work?
Certain trees will require pruning at different times of year for example Walnuts are best done when in full leaf in the summer where as fruit trees are best done in the winter. Please feel free to call us and we can give you advice.
What happens to the waste?
We have a Waste Carrier Licence and pride ourselves on leaving the site neat and tidy. Waste is removed and recycled into seasoned logs, and wood chip.
What are legal restrictions on tree work?
If remedial action is being considered, occupiers should be aware that, with certain exceptions, it is an offence to uproot, fell, lop or top a tree if it is:
- subject to a Tree Preservation Order*, without permission from the local planning authority responsible for the Order;
- in a Conservation Area, without giving the local planning authority at least six weeks’ notification of intention to do the work;
- if the work affects a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the owner has not written to the statutory nature conservation agency and obtained its written consent.
In addition, and also with certain exceptions, it is an offence to fell trees greater than 5 cubic metres in total volume without a Felling Licence from the Forestry Commission.
If in any doubt as to whether any of these restrictions applies, and before starting the work, check as appropriate with the statutory nature conservation agency2, the local planning authority or the local Conservancy Office of the Forestry Commission, who can advise on the latest regulations.
An offence may also be committed if the work affects a site or a biological species which is protected by law, and if any necessary consent has not been obtained from the statutory authority concerned. Such situations fall into the following categories:
- the work affects a Scheduled Ancient Monument or is in the vicinity of one, and Scheduled Monument Consent2 has not first been obtained where this would have been necessary;
- the work damages a bat roost, disturbs bats, damages or obstructs a badger sett which shows signs of current occupation, or disturbs a badger3 in a sett;
- damage or disturbance is knowingly caused to a place of shelter or protection used by any species which is protected from such harm under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
What are the fines for carried out illegal tree work in a conservation area?
For cutting down or destroying a tree, a fine of up to £20,000 can be imposed – and the landowner is also required to replace the tree that was removed. For less serious offences, the penalty is a fine of up to £2,500.
FYI the law requires that anyone proposing to cut down or carry out any work on any tree, with a stem diameter of more than 75mm, when measured at 1.5 metres height above ground level, in a conservation area must give the Council six weeks notice of their intentions. Work may only be undertaken either when permission has been given or the six weeks has expired.
Why should I use Allen Groundcare to do my tree work?
We are highly qualified experts with lots of experience and care about trees and the environment. We understand how trees function and the characteristics of the different species – vital for things like pruning or stump grinding. Also we can assess if trees are in an unsuitable location or are diseased or if their removal is potentially dangerous or may damage nearby property etc.
Are Allen Groundcare too large to do my tree work?
Since 2004 we have worked with both local householders and national commercial clients. Our continued custom by household clients shows we treat them with the same respect and professionalism as we extend to larger clients. Given our diverse client base ensures that we have the in-house expertise and equipment to deal with any scenario, no matter how big or small.
Will Birds or Bats make any difference to my tree work?
If any type of bird is nesting in a tree or hedge then it is legally protected, so long as the nest is in use. This may prohibit certain types of tree pruning or removal. Removing dense hedges or substantially reducing them in height is likely to disturb nesting birds, but annual trimming may be acceptable. Birds commonly nest between March and the end of July.
Many kinds of bats use trees to roost in, either for long or short periods of time. Bats are all protected and when carrying out works to a tree that is likely to contain bats, it may be necessary to survey it first.
We have trained staff that can do this for you. If tree work must be carried out in an emergency, then this may override protected species and we can advise you where required.
Will trees damage my property?
Trees should be regarded as real assets to our homes and gardens. However, occasionally they can conflict with nearby structures.
If a tree grows very close (typically within 1.5m) of a lightly loaded wall or structure then as it grows, the base of the stem or the large diameter roots very close to the trunk may exert pressure and cause it to yield/ lift.
If a house is founded upon a shrinkable clay soil, then trees may cause or add to movement damage due to the soil drying out. Some trees require more moisture than others but all trees will require more moisture when they are fully grown with a large crown.
Trees close to drains and sewers etc, may cause ‘direct’ damage if very close. At a greater distance it is common for tree roots to enter a pipe via an existing hole / gap and then to cause a blockage once the roots multiply. Where possible, clearing roots and inserting a flexible liner may solve the problem. This is mainly the case with old leaky drains, whilst modern plastic drains are seldom affected.
Can I receive a tree surgery quotation over the phone?
No unfortunately it is not usually viable to provide an accurate quotation over the phone for a tree work job so we would need to do a site inspection. This allows us to take various elements into consideration such as access for machinery and equipment required to do the work, assessment of the trees in question and ease of disposal of wood and arisings etc.
Please call us on 01327 354789 to book an appointment at a mutually convenient time – the quote is free and there is no obligation to use our services.
What if my tree has a Tree Preservation Order on it or I live in a Conservation Area?
A tree preservation order (referred to as a ‘TPO’) is an order made by a local planning authority (‘LPA’) in respect of trees or woodlands and can be on any tree. Trees in conservation areas may be the subject of a TPO and subject to the normal TPO controls. But the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 also makes special provision for trees in conservation areas which are not the subject of a TPO.
Anyone proposing to cut down or carry out work on a tree in a conservation area is required to give the LPA six weeks’ prior notice (a ‘section 211 notice’). The purpose of this requirement is to give the LPA an opportunity to consider whether a TPO should be made in respect of the tree.
Can I use the wood chip from my trees?
Many of our customers now keep the chippings for future use on the garden as mulch – ideal for keeping weeds out and moisture in. This depends on the type of chip and its intended use. A number of trees when chipped are unsuitable for garden use we will advise you of the suitability of your woodchips.
Why is using a fully insured contractor important?
As with any work you may require on your property you want confidence that the contractor is qualified to do what has been asked, safely and to the highest standard. But it is also important to consider that you could be liable for any accidents occurring from an under insured operator. This could be an accident involving your own or your neighbours property or passers by on the street.
How long will I have to wait to have the work done after I have accepted the quotation?
Whilst we will always try to get work booked in as soon as possible some times of the year there are other factors which can cause delays. The winter months (October to February) are our busiest time and also we can have delays caused by poor weather conditions. At this time of year there could be a wait of up to 3 to 4 weeks from your quotation date. Please bear this in mind if you are thinking of having work done. If you are waiting for permission from the Council it could mean you have to wait up to 8 weeks.